Group Home Clinical Therapist

360 Youth Services; Lisle (IL); On-site; USD 63,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

360 Youth Services in Lisle, IL is seeking a Group Home Clinical Therapist to provide trauma-informed individual counseling to youth aged 12–18 in our group home and collaborate with DCFS and schools.

The role requires a Master’s degree in counseling/psychology/social work or related field, an Illinois license (LPC/LCPC/LMFT/LCSW preferred), and experience with trauma-affected youth. Evening sessions (4 PM–7 PM) may be required.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or marriage and family therapy required.
• Illinois license with LPC/LCPC/LMFT/LCSW preferred; LCPC/LMFT/LCSW favored.
• Experience counseling youth in care, especially with trauma.
• Commitment to affirming LGBTQ+ and BIPOC youth.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual (and occasional family) counseling to youth aged 12–18 in care.
• Collaborate with DCFS case workers, schools, police, and mental health agencies.
• Maintain confidential records and complete IMCANS/ assessments as required.
• Link youth to referral services for substance abuse and mental health treatment.
• Attend trauma trainings and participate in supervision and program development.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Youth counseling

Crisis management

Documentation

Education

Master’s degree in counseling/psychology/social work/therapy

Job description

Job Title: Group Home Clinical Therapist

Exempt/Non-exempt: EXEMPT

Immediate Supervisor: Director of housing

Compensation Range: $62,512 - $65,512

Essential Functions:

• Primarily responsible for providing individual and occasional family counseling services using a trauma-informed approach to youth between the ages of 12 and 18 who are Youth in Care and reside in our group home.
• Effectively provide counseling services and collaborate with community partners, such as DCFS case workers, Monitors and License Administrators, schools, police departments, juvenile probation, and mental health agencies/hospitals that serve youth.
• Provide timely, diligent, and confidential mental health records; complete IMCANS assessments; and maintain a regular schedule of counseling times that coincide with the group home's schedule of required curriculum.
• Provide community information and linkage to referral services for youth in care and their treatment teams for substance abuse and mental health treatment.
• Attend at least two trauma-related trainings per year and comply with required trainings such as CPI and CPR annually.
• Participate in clinical supervision from a clinical supervisor assigned from the Counseling department, as well as individual and group supervision weekly, and engage in informal opportunities to connect with other therapists at 360 Youth Services.
• Assist with the development and implementation of program policies and procedures to enhance service delivery and program efficiency.
• Adhere to all agency policies and procedures, including confidentiality and ethical standards of practice.
• Position may require some evening hours for sessions (4 PM – 7 PM) and participation in an on-call rotation after the training period, with a maximum of one week per month.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Ability Requirements:

• Extensive knowledge of clinical practices related to working with youth between the ages of 10 to 25.
• Experience in providing effective therapy to youth in care, particularly those who have experienced complex trauma.
• Ability to provide affirming counseling to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and the LGBTQ+ population.
• Competence in addressing a wide range of concerns such as depression, anxiety, drug use, running away, fighting, and trauma.
• Strong adaptability to providing services in various contexts and environments.
• Proficiency in maintaining accurate and timely mental health records and completing assessments.
• Effective collaboration skills with community partners, such as DCFS case workers, schools, police departments, juvenile probation, and mental health agencies/hospitals.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development, including attending trauma-related trainings and complying with required certifications like CPI and CPR. Demonstrates professionalism, flexibility, good judgment, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Education and Experience:

A Master’s Degree from an accredited program in counseling, psychology, social work, or marriage and family therapy is required. Candidates must hold an Illinois license, with a minimum of LPC, though preference is given to those with an LCPC, LMFT, or LCSW. Ideal candidates will have experience working with youth, particularly those who have experienced traumatic stress, and a commitment to affirming LGBTQ+ and BIPOC youth. Competencies include a strength-based approach, adherence to ethical guidelines, trauma-informed practices, detail orientation, strong problem-solving skills, and the flexibility to engage youth. Additionally, candidates are expected to operate from a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and intersectional lens, with a commitment to continuous growth and development in these areas.

Physical Demands and Other Requirements:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential duties listed in the job description satisfactorily. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, or controls; reach with hands and arms. Capable of operating standard office equipment, including a computer and keyboard, calculator, typical business machines such as a fax machine and copier. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20-30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and the ability to adjust focus. The employee is required to have valid driver’s license, auto insurance and must be able to safely operate a motor vehicle. The work environment characteristics include a noise level which is usually low to moderate.

Position Responsibilities/Program Execution and Decision Making:

• Diversity and Inclusion/ Professionalism: In all aspects of their work presents as a role model to others, behaving in a way which actively supports LCFS as a welcoming community, promotes diversity and inclusion in the workplace and collaborates with others to further equity and dismantle barriers to a more inclusive experience of community. Participates in annual professional development and/or advocacy regarding inclusion.
• Ethical Conduct: Follows all ethics policies and procedures related to program execution and decision making as defined by the agency as well as any related professional licensing, regulatory or accrediting body. Maintain confidentiality of client, staff, and agency information. Reports any known or suspected breaches of confidentiality in accordance with policy. Reports possible misconduct or relevant errors/ oversight in a timely manner and responsibly addresses related issues with chain of command.
• Communication/ Interpersonal Skills: Consistently conveys clear, accurate, timely, and respectful communication appropriate for the situation. Informs appropriate management staff when incident occurs or a crisis situation. Maintains professional boundaries with clients/residents, staff, interns, volunteers, and vendors. Able to successfully share skills and concepts with others and works effectively with others under time and environmental pressures.
• Safety and Agency Resource Utilization: Demonstrates sound judgement and foresight in safety awareness and in daily work. Notifies, in a timely manner, the supervisory chain of any incidents or circumstances that need attention. Report all suspicions or allegations of abuse immediately to their supervisor. Ensures appropriate utilization of materials and resources and minimizes waste.
• Other Responsibilities: All other tasks and responsibilities as assigned.